50th Space Wing
Encyclopedia
The 50th Space Wing is a wing
of the United States Air Force
under the major command of Air Force Space Command
(AFSPC). It was activated on 30 January 1992, replacing the 2d Space Wing
, which was deactivated on the same date.
, located east of Colorado Springs, Colorado
. Their primary responsibility is to track and maintain the command and control, warning, navigational, and communications satellites for AFSPC. The 50th Space Wing also manages the Global Positioning System
.
Typical satellite monitoring tasks such as tracking and telemetry are the main part of their mission, and in so doing, they employ over 4,000 personnel (military, contractors, and DoD
civilians.)
The 50th Space Wing wields space, cyberspace and expeditionary capabilities to deliver decisive global combat effects in support of national security objectives. It operates and supports satellite programs including the Global Positioning System, the Defense Satellite Communications System, Wideband Global SATCOM, Milstar, Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Space Based Space Surveillance, Tactical Satellite-3, Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk Reduction Satellite and the worldwide Air Force Satellite Control Network.
The wing also operates satellite operation centers at Schriever AFB and remote tracking stations and other command and control facilities around the world. These facilities monitor satellites during launch, put the satellites in their proper orbits following launch, operate the satellites while they are in orbit, keep them functioning properly and properly dispose of the satellites at their end of life.
Geographically Separated Units of the 50th Space Wing are:
The 50th Fighter Wing was established on 16 May 1949 as part of the post-World War II
United States Air Force Reserve in 1 June 1949. The wing was formed at Otis AFB, Massachusetts, The 50th Fighter Group was assigned to the newly-formed 50th Fighter Wing upon activation under the Hobson organization plan.
It trained in the Reserve between June 1949 and June 1951, being a corollary of the active-duty Air Defense Command 33d Fighter Wing
. The wing was ordered to active service on 1 June 1951 due to the Korean War
, and its personnel and equipment were reassigned as replacements to active-duty units. The 50th Fighter Wing was inactivated the next day, 2 June 1951.
On 1 January 1953, the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing was reactivated as part of the active-duty Tactical Air Command
. The group was reactivated following Secretary of State John Foster Dulles
' promise to provide NATO with four additional tactical fighter wings to increase it's defenses against the Soviet Union
due to the outbreak of the Cold War. The 50th Fighter-Interceptor Group activated as the 50th Fighter-Bomber Group (later renamed 50th Operations Group) and became the wing's primary combat element. The group's squadrons were equipped with North American F-86F Sabres, and training commenced for operational proficiency. Once training levels for pilots and aircrews had reached operational levels, the 50th FBW began preparations for its move to West Germany
. On 10 August 1953, the 50th FBW arrived at its new home, the newly-constructed Hahn Air Base
.
(USAFE) Twelfth Air Force (12th Air Force). The wing became the first tactically operational Air Force wing in 12th Air Force's jurisdiction. The 50th FBG consisted of the 10th, 81st and 417th Fighter-Bomber squadrons. The first of the wing's new F-86H Sabres arrived at Hahn AB 21 October 1955. Conversion continued throughout the winter of 1955 and spring of 1956, ending in May. The 50th FBG received seventy-four F-86Hs, and also had two C-47 transports which were assigned to the Wing for courier and supply operations.
The primary mission of the 50th FBW at Hahn was the delivery of tactical nuclear weapons against Warsaw Pact
forces in the event of an invasion of Western Europe
. Its secondary missions were tactical air defense and support for NATO ground forces.
While 50th FBW prepared for and converted to the newer F-86H, the wing expanded its mission responsibility to include supporting 12th Air Force's 7382d Guided Missile Group. The wing had previously supported the 69th Tactical Missile Squadron
at Hahn, which operated the MGM-1 Matador
tactical missile.
New aircraft would not be the only change for the personnel of the 50th, however. With the conversion to the F-86H nearly complete on 15 April 1956, the wing began a move to Toul-Rosières Air Base
, France. The reason for the move was that USAFE war planners believed that due to the vulnerability of West Germany to Soviet attack, having nuclear-equipped fighter wings in West Germany made them vulnerable to being quickly overrun by Warsaw Pact
forces. By moving them west into France, it would give NATO more time to respond. This movement took most of the summer of that year. The wing reported it was mission-ready at Toul-Rosières on August 1.
The 50th Fighter-Bomber Group was inactivated 8 December 1957 as a result of the 50th adopting the Tri-Deputate organization plan. As result of the group's inactivation, its operational squadrons--the 10th, 81st and 417th Fighter Squadrons were assigned directly to the wing.
In 1957 USAFE also announced that the 50th FBW would receive the new F-100D Super Sabre. This advanced, supersonic aircraft significantly improved the wing's combat capability and enhanced European air defenses. The 50th FBW was the third and last USAFE fighter wing to convert into Super Sabres and converted to the new aircraft in 1957 and 1958. On 8 July 1958, it became the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing as a result of a worldwide USAF renaming convention, a designation it would carry for almost 35 years.
At about this time, the wing updated its emblem to reflect its new mission and aircraft. The modified design depicted a griffin facing forward and breathing fire with its wings spread. An atomic "mushroom" cloud was centered behind the griffin. Behind the beast's right talon, an olive branch denoted peace. A lightning bolt behind the left talon symbolized the strength and power of the unit's aircraft. The wing would carry this emblem until its inactivation as the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1991.
Along with operating from Toul, the 50th TFW was tasked to support NATO Dispersed Operating Bases in France. In September 1959, with the completion of Luneville-Chenevieres Air Base
, became the home of Detachment #2, 50th Air Base Group.
Within a year of rearming with the new F-100s, issues with the runway at Toul AB began with severe surface cracking. This was caused by the weight of the F-100, which was almost double that of the F-86s formerly flown by the Wing. However, a much more severe problem was with the French Government. Political issues with France with regards to non-French military forces stationing nuclear weapons, or nuclear-capable units on French soil led to the United States moving the 50th TFW and other tactical wings out of France.
Pferdsfeld AB, West Germany was initially considered as the new home of the 50th, however it was decided to return the wing to Hahn AB since it was only partially occupied at the time and the runway at Hahn had just been recently re-paved. The wing, its support units, 10th TFS and 81st TFS returned to Hahn AB, West Germany as part of Operation Red Richard. The 417th TFS was detached to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ramstein AB, West Germany. The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing reported its movement complete to Hahn on 10 December 1959.
For the next several years, 50th TFW Airmen concentrated on becoming the best fighter unit in USAFE. During the Cuban Missile Crisis
in October and November 1962, the wing hosted the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Moron AB, Spain as part of a massive military buildup. After the Cuban Missile Crisis ended, the 50th TFW resumed normal operations and participated in various exercises and competitions, oftentimes with other NATO allies.
When the last F-100 left Hahn, 50th TFW aircrews had logged 143,147 flight hours. Throughout the conversion to the F-4D, the 417th TFS remained detached to the 86th Air Division
at Ramstein AB. The 496th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, attached to the 50th TFW but assigned to the 86th Air Division, did not convert to the new F-4D aircraft, instead flying the F-102 Delta Dagger
interceptor aircraft.
The wing underwent another organizational change on 15 July 1968. The costs of the ongoing Vietnam War were stretching defense budgets, and the costs of maintaining large United States forces (both Army and Air Force) in Europe, as well as the decision by France to withdrawal from the NATO integrated military alliance led to the development of "dual-based" forces, stationed in the United States, but deployable to NATO in case of a crisis with the Soviet Union. The 417th TFS was reassigned to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and was subsequently reassigned to Tactical Air Command's 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. The 417th was "committed" to USAFE, and was planned to deploy to USAFE annually. To replace the 417th, USAFE reassigned the 496th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron back from 86th Air Division to the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing. The 417th, however, remained equipped with F-102 interceptors with an air defense mission.
USAFE then selected the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron as the command's first "Wild Weasel" surface-to-air missile suppression unit. The squadron's primary mission focus changed from ground and air attack roles to location and elimination of threats posed by enemy radar tracking and surface-to-air missile systems. The "Wild Weasel" version of the F-4E (and later the F-4G) could be used as a radar jamming platform or as a search and destroy vehicle.
The 81st TFS moved to Zweibrucken Air Base
, West Germany, on 12 June 1971. Though it remained assigned to 50th TFW, 81st TFS was detached from the wing's operational control and attached to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing. Following these changes, the wing settled into a more routine operations tempo and returned its attentions to maintaining combat readiness. Within two years, USAFE redesignated 496th FIS as a tactical fighter squadron. The squadron converted to the F-4E Phantom, retiring its F-102s.
The wing continued routine training operations throughout the 1970s. In 1976, the 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron
was reactivated as a result of the 36th TFW at Bitburg AB receiving F-15 Eagle
s, and sending a squadron of its F-4E Phantom IIs to Hahn.
Meanwhile, prompted by the news of the its selection to receive the Air Force's newest fighter, the 50th TFW began construction of new hardened aircraft shelters, additional hangars, maintenance shops and support buildings. IN addition contracts were issued for the construction of 300 additional housing units in communities near Hahn AB.
Aircrews focused on training under a new graduated combat capability program that provided specific training events and competency levels for each category of crewmember. Maintenance personnel concentrated on learning F-16 specific requirements and adapted the Production Oriented Maintenance Organization to meet the needs of the new jets and mission. The 313th TFS accepted the first of the wing's new F-16s on 30 December 1981, after a vigorous acceptance inspection--a practice that continues today. Within six months, the last of the 50th TFW's F-4E Phantom IIs departed Hahn AB, after 16 years and more than 176,000 flight hours. A gala marked the addition of the Fighting Falcon to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's arsenal on 9 July 1982. The ceremony included displays of aircraft from Norway
, the Netherlands
, Belgium
, Denmark
and other countries in the NATO alliance, all of which were programmed to receive the F-16.
For the next several months, 50th TFW crews frequently deployed to Zaragoza Air Base
, Spain, to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training. The training included events designed to improve bombing accuracy and increase air and ground crew performance. Before the 1983 Thanksgiving holiday, the wing would add yet another line to its list of accomplishments. That opportunity arrived in October, when 50th TFW crews took their F-16s to the Air Force's annual worldwide bombing and gunnery competition--Gunsmoke--where they won the overall competition. Additionally, one of the wing's pilots earned the individual Top Gun award. Personnel continued to demonstrate their excellence when one of the wing's weapons load crews earned first place distinction in USAFE and third place overall in an Air Force-wide competition at the end of 1983.
Operational activity by March 1984 reached a fever pitch as the wing participated in several exercises and competitions and prepared for a brief deployment. The wing joined Green Flag exercises held at Nellis Air Force Base
, Nevada, in March. Green Flag sought to provide realistic combat training with a heavy emphasis on electronic warfare such as anti-aircraft defenses' threat radars.
At Hahn AB, other wing personnel participated in a NATO exercise. During this exercise, two 496th TFS F-16s conducted the first emergency procedures landings on an autobahn. The aircrews landed, refueled from dispatched trucks and launched from a highway near the German air base at Ahlhorn. The wing also prepared for a large-scale deployment to several air bases due to programmed runway repairs at Hahn AB. Aircraft and crews, maintenance specialists and support personnel deployed to Ramstein and Spangdahlem AB and to West Germany's Pferdsfel AB from April to June 1984.
The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing's growing list of accomplishments and recognition continued into 1985 when the wing received notice of its selection for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 1 July 1982 through 30 June 1984. This was the fifth such award for the 50th. The 50th TFW's operational tempo did not slow, nor did the wing's receipt of accolades and recognition from its headquarters. The wing replaced its F-16A and F-16B Fighting Falcons for the advanced second-generation F-16C and F-16D in 1986.
HQ USAFE announced on 15 April 1986, that the 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron had earned the USAFE Commander in Chief's Trophy for 1985. Operations and maintenance teams within 50th TFW also received numerous awards at major command level and higher throughout 1986 and 1987, including the Secretary of Defense's Phoenix Award recognizing the best maintenance organization in the Department of Defense.
had reached a boiling point. The Berlin Wall
fell, and a new era in Europe began. Former Soviet republics proclaimed their independence and right to self-determination. Talk in Germany quickly turned to the possibility of reuniting East and West. Debate followed on the future role of American forces in Europe, and worldwide change loomed imminent.
Throughout the spring and summer of 1990, the 50th TFW continued its aggressive training schedule. Meanwhile, American military and government officials debated the new role and structure of the armed forces in light of perceptions of a diminished threat to Western Europe
. The changes brought about by events in the Soviet Union and in light of increasing public and governmental concern over the United State's increasing budget budget deficit. For many, the possibility of any combat activity seemed unlikely, but that perception changed almost in the blink of an eye during the autumn of 1990.
While the wing's aircrews continued their normal operations in West Germany
and Turkey
, Iraq
i president Saddam Hussein
resumed a war of rhetoric against Kuwait
. As the summer heat in Southwest Asia
intensified, so did Hussein's war of words. Iraqi forces crossed the border into Kuwait
on 2 August 1990, forcing the Kuwaiti royal family and existing government to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The United Nations
condemned the invasion, calling for immediate withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Returning to Hahn AB following an October 1990 training deployment to Zaragoza AB, Spain, 10th TFS commander Lt. Col. Ed Houle received notice to prepare his unit for possible deployment. Originally scheduled for a Thanksgiving Day movement, plans changed and called for the deployment of the 10th within 72 hours of the outbreak of hostilities, should that happen.
As the final days of autumn passed and winter began, plans again changed. Word came that the 10th TFS would deploy on 15 January 1991, to fill out the combat strength of the fighter wing at Al Dhafra Air Base
, United Arab Emirates. United States Central Command
readjusted this date twice, finally establishing a deployment date of 1 January 1991. Meanwhile, crews continued to train and make other preparations. The 313th TFS selected six F-16Cs and eight pilots as potential replacements for lost jets and crews.
Thirty F-16Cs left Hahn AB, for Zaragoza AB Dec. 29, 1990. Six served as airborne spares to replace any of the original 24 that might not complete the trip to Al Dhafra. While hundreds of personnel at Zaragoza AB celebrated and welcomed the new year, thirty pilots of the 50th TFW fired their afterburners, drowning the sounds of celebration, and lifted into the darkness bound for the Middle East
and the near certainty of combat. When they arrived, aircrews learned they would not employ the low-level procedures they had practiced for use in Central Europe
. Instead of low-level ingress and 10- to 30-degree dive angles, they would deliver their payloads from nearly 20,000 feet with ingress angles near 60 degrees. As training progressed, crews from the 10th TFS began sitting alert with crews of the 17th and 33d TFSs, hoping that they might be the first to strike if war erupted.
15 January 1991, passed with Al Dhafra's crews and much of the coalition forces watching events unfold on cable television news. International news broadcasts, beamed via satellite, told of Iraq's refusal to withdraw and the resulting discussions on how the U.N. coalition would proceed. 16 January 1991 was much the same.
Then, with a click of the second hand, Desert Shield became Desert Storm. At 4 a.m. local time Jan. 17, the first 40-plane strike package left Al Dhafra for targets in Iraq. The 10th TFS flew its first combat sorties of the war later that afternoon, led by squadron commander Lt. Col. Edward Houle. The assigned target for the eight-ship element of the 10th TFS was Al Taqaddum Airfield, near Baghdad
--a round-trip of more than 1,400 miles and an eight-hour mission for crews accustomed to training flights of only one to three hours. For nearly six weeks, 10th TFS crews attacked Iraqi airfields, communication centers and military command centers. What few Iraqi fighters did fly were either shot down or chased across the Iraq-Iran border.
After initial attacks against static targets, the 10th TFS crews received new orders. Iraq had begun using Soviet SS-1 Scud missiles in retaliation against the coalition's offensive air strikes, targeting both coalition forces and Israel
i civilian population centers. In response, U.S. Central Command ordered search-and-destroy missions against Iraqi mobile and fixed SCUD launchers. Attacking those targets put 10th TFS pilots at greater risk. A good kill required locating and identifying the SCUD's associated radar once it was activated for launch, and the launchers were heavily defended. The squadron's first SCUD patrol mission began Jan. 19, only three days into Desert Storm.
The mission changed again 23 January. With most of the strategic targets eliminated, the 10th TFS received orders to concentrate on Iraq's Republican Guard
units occupying Kuwait and Iraq's southern region. For the Al Dhafra-based crews, this meant bombing any military targets on the road and destroying any pontoon bridges being constructed across the Tigris River. In addition, the wing's crews dropped leaflet bombs over Iraqi positions and civilian centers. For the next month, emphasis centered on counter-SCUD
operations and preparing the battlefield for the eventual ground war.
When the ground war began 25 February, crews began flying combat air patrols, protecting and supporting coalition ground forces. This mission, however, lasted only three days. On the morning of 28 February, the offensive ceased to allow Iraqi units to withdraw. After a brief interlude, crews returned to combat air patrols to enforce ceasefire accords that prohibited Iraqi aircraft from operating within defined areas. This provision of the ceasefire sought to protect coalition ground forces, U.N. personnel who would monitor Iraq's compliance with Security Council resolutions and civilian populations.
With the return of deployed elements from Saudi Arabia in the summer of 1991, the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing was gradually inactivated during the balance of the year. With the reuniting of East and West Germany in October 1990, the Cold War threat of an invasion by the Soviet Union no longer was an issue. The United States was left with a huge excess capacity of expensive airfields in Europe. The 50th had performed its mission successfully in Western Europe and it was now time to end it's mission.
As a result, the 50th TFW was inactivated in 1991 after 35 years at Hahn Air Base. The 496th TFS was inactivated on 15 May; The 313th TFS on 1 July, and the 10th TFS on 30 September. The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing was inactivated on 30 September 1991.
On 30 September 1993, Hahn Air Base was turned over to the reunited German government with the exception of a small portion used by USAFE as a communications site.
was activated to control USAF space assets, which had previously been managed by Air Force Systems Command
.
As part of the general re-organization of the Air Force in the post Cold War era. The the 50th TFW was re-assigned to the United States Air Force Space Command, which reactivated the wing as the 50th Space Wing on 20 January 1992, at Falcon Air Force Base east of Colorado Springs, Colorado
. The 50th was reactivated as part of the USAF Heritage Program, in which notable historic wings remained on active duty, replacing younger ones. The 50th Space Wing assumed control of the personnel and assets of the 2d Space Wing
, which was immediately inactivated.
At the same time, the command activated the 50th Operations Group, the redesignated World War II and early Cold War-era 50th Fighter Group, and assigned it to the 50th Space Wing as part of the post Cold War USAF Objective organization plan. AFSPC also activated the 50th Maintenance and Supply Group and the 50th Combat Support Group under new names, creating a wing organization that closely resembled that of the 1950s.
Squadrons assigned to the 50th concurrent with its activation included a mixture of past units and those previously assigned to the 2d Space Wing, which the 50th SW replaced. The command activated the 50th Mission Support, Civil Engineering, Security Police, Communications, Airdrome, Air Service, Depot Repair and Depot Supply Squadrons with new designations. Transferred from the 2nd Space Wing were the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Satellite Control Squadrons, renamed Space Operations Squadrons. The headquarters of the 2nd Satellite Tracking Group became Headquarters 750th Space Group and transferred to 50th SW. The 50th SW also assumed responsibility for a number of detachments operating around the world.
The 50th SW assumed command-and-control responsibilities for several existing satellite constellations that provided a variety of critical information to the Air Force, Department of Defense and other users. Additionally, the 50th SW assumed responsibility for the Air Force Satellite Control Network, which allowed satellite controllers to fly satellites under their command.
Continuing activity resulting from the 1995 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) report resulted in the inactivation of the 750th Space Group and the 5th Space Operations Squadron at Onizuka Air Force Station
, California, in 1999 and 2000 respectively. The inactivation of other agencies and units at Onizuka AFS left 21st SOPS as the installation's host, and the 21st SOPS commander assumed installation commander responsibilities.
supporting the Global War on Terrorism.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom Second SOPS crews developed new techniques for enhancing GPS accuracy over the Iraqi theater of operations and flew more than 1,000 satellite sorties between March 20 and April 10. First SOPS set a record during this period, placing a GPS satellite in orbit and completing all early on-orbit checkout activities in only 11 days while also flying 100 Defense Support Program satellite sorties and 300 GPS sorties in the first 20 days of combat. Third and 4th SOPS crews maximized satellite communications coverage of the theater. The 3rd SOPS' Defense Satellite Communications System Block III satellites provided 80 percent of in-theater bandwidth. Meanwhile, 4th SOPS dedicated 85 percent of Milstar communications capability to the war effort, flying 14,000 sorties in the first 20 days of operations.
The 50th Network Operations Group (previously the 50th Communications Group) supported all of the wing's satellite command-and-control activities through the Air Force Satellite Control Network scheduling nodes, managed by 22nd SOPS. Personnel at the wing's remote tracking stations, including 21st SOPS at Onizuka AFS and 23rd SOPS at New Boston AFS, N.H., logged more than 12,312 satellite contacts while assisting with other satellite operations and three satellite launches.
The 50th SW also underwent organizational changes in the first years of the new century. To correct inefficiencies and realign organizations along mission lines, Air Force Space Command renamed the 50th CG as 50th NOG and reassigned 21st, 22nd and 23rd SOPS to that organization. Functions of the 850th Space Communications Squadron merged with those of 50th SCS, and the 850th SCS inactivated in January 2006.
Assigned Squadrons
Attached Squadrons
Unit Inactive
Unit Inactive
Argent
, all within a diminished bordure
Or.
Modified version of 50th Fighter Group emblem approved for the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 15 July 1953, and reinstated on 9 July 1992; replaced wing emblem approved on 23 August 1956. Motto: MASTER OF SPACE. Approved on 10 September 1992.
Wing (air force unit)
Wing is a term used by different military aviation forces for a unit of command. The terms wing, group or Staffel are used for different-sized units from one country or service to another....
of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
under the major command of Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
(AFSPC). It was activated on 30 January 1992, replacing the 2d Space Wing
2d Space Wing
The 2d Space Wing was a wing of the United States Air Force. It activated on 8 July 1985 as the host wing at Falcon Air Force Station . The wing took operational control of the Air Force Satellite Control Network in October 1987...
, which was deactivated on the same date.
Overview
The unit is the host wing at Schriever Air Force BaseSchriever Air Force Base
Schriever Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force located approximately 10 miles east of Peterson AFB near Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States.-Overview:...
, located east of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
. Their primary responsibility is to track and maintain the command and control, warning, navigational, and communications satellites for AFSPC. The 50th Space Wing also manages the Global Positioning System
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites...
.
Typical satellite monitoring tasks such as tracking and telemetry are the main part of their mission, and in so doing, they employ over 4,000 personnel (military, contractors, and DoD
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
civilians.)
The 50th Space Wing wields space, cyberspace and expeditionary capabilities to deliver decisive global combat effects in support of national security objectives. It operates and supports satellite programs including the Global Positioning System, the Defense Satellite Communications System, Wideband Global SATCOM, Milstar, Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Space Based Space Surveillance, Tactical Satellite-3, Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk Reduction Satellite and the worldwide Air Force Satellite Control Network.
The wing also operates satellite operation centers at Schriever AFB and remote tracking stations and other command and control facilities around the world. These facilities monitor satellites during launch, put the satellites in their proper orbits following launch, operate the satellites while they are in orbit, keep them functioning properly and properly dispose of the satellites at their end of life.
Components
The wing is composed of three groups:- 50th Operations Group50th Operations GroupThe 50th Operations Group is a component of the 50th Space Wing, assigned to the United States Air Force Space Command. The group is stationed at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado....
(50th OG)
- Operates assigned DOD satellite systems, trains space operations crews, and provides operational support and evaluation functions for management of satellite operations centers and assigned ground stations. The group is composed of five active-duty and two Reserve squadrons, as well as one Air National Guard squadron.
- 50th Network Operations Group50th Network Operations GroupThe 50th Network Operations Group is a unit of the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. 50th NOG is the single focal point for operating and maintaining the $8.2 billion Air Force Satellite Control Network and all 50 SW communications and computer systems...
(50th NOG)
- Commands and controls the AFSCN, manages and executes wing maintenance activities and provides communications-computer support for space operations missions and many other DOD, commercial and national missions. The group is composed of four squadrons, six detachments and the Program Management Office.
- 50th Mission Support Group (50th MSG)
- Provides security, civil engineering, fire, personnel, contracting, force support and logistic readiness support to Schriever AFB. The group is composed of four squadrons and a flight providing base support of the wing's sites worldwide.
Geographically Separated Units of the 50th Space Wing are:
- 21st Space Operations Squadron, Onizuka Air Force StationOnizuka Air Force StationOnizuka Air Force Station was a United States Air Force installation in Santa Clara County, California, just outside the city limits of Sunnyvale, at the intersection of U.S. Route 101 and State Route 237...
, CA - 22d Space Operations Squadron, Schriever Air Force Base, CO
- 22 SOPS Det. 1 VandenbergVandenbergVandenberg is a variation on the Dutch and Flemish surname "van den Berg", literally meaning "from the mountain", "from the hill". It may refer to:-People:* Adrian Vandenberg, Dutch guitarist who has worked with Whitesnake...
AFB, CA - 22 SOPS Det. 2 Diego GarciaDiego GarciaDiego Garcia is a tropical, footprint-shaped coral atoll located south of the equator in the central Indian Ocean at 7 degrees, 26 minutes south latitude. It is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory [BIOT] and is positioned at 72°23' east longitude....
, British Indian Ocean Territory - 22 SOPS Det. 3 Thule Air BaseThule Air BaseThule Air Base or Thule Air Base/Pituffik Airport , is the United States Air Force's northernmost base, located north of the Arctic Circle and from the North Pole on the northwest side of the island of Greenland. It is approximately east of the North Magnetic Pole.-Overview:Thule Air Base is the...
, Greenland - 22 SOPS Det. 4 Waianae, HA
- 22 SOPS Det. 5 Andersen AFB, Guam
- 22 SOPS OL-AE RAF OakhangerRAF OakhangerRAF Station Oakhanger was a Royal Air Force station in Hampshire split over three operational sites with accommodation in nearby Bordon. The main site and operations centre was near the village of Oakhanger with two other sites nearby...
, England- 23d Space Operations Squadron, New Boston AFS, NH
History
- See 50th Operations Group50th Operations GroupThe 50th Operations Group is a component of the 50th Space Wing, assigned to the United States Air Force Space Command. The group is stationed at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado....
for additional history and lineage
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
United States Air Force Reserve in 1 June 1949. The wing was formed at Otis AFB, Massachusetts, The 50th Fighter Group was assigned to the newly-formed 50th Fighter Wing upon activation under the Hobson organization plan.
It trained in the Reserve between June 1949 and June 1951, being a corollary of the active-duty Air Defense Command 33d Fighter Wing
33d Fighter Wing
The 33d Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Education and Training Command's Nineteenth Air Force. It is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida where it is a tenant unit....
. The wing was ordered to active service on 1 June 1951 due to the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, and its personnel and equipment were reassigned as replacements to active-duty units. The 50th Fighter Wing was inactivated the next day, 2 June 1951.
On 1 January 1953, the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing was reactivated as part of the active-duty Tactical Air Command
Tactical Air Command
Tactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
. The group was reactivated following Secretary of State John Foster Dulles
John Foster Dulles
John Foster Dulles served as U.S. Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959. He was a significant figure in the early Cold War era, advocating an aggressive stance against communism throughout the world...
' promise to provide NATO with four additional tactical fighter wings to increase it's defenses against the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
due to the outbreak of the Cold War. The 50th Fighter-Interceptor Group activated as the 50th Fighter-Bomber Group (later renamed 50th Operations Group) and became the wing's primary combat element. The group's squadrons were equipped with North American F-86F Sabres, and training commenced for operational proficiency. Once training levels for pilots and aircrews had reached operational levels, the 50th FBW began preparations for its move to West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
. On 10 August 1953, the 50th FBW arrived at its new home, the newly-constructed Hahn Air Base
Hahn Air Base
Hahn Air Base was a frontline NATO facility in Germany for over 40 years during the Cold War...
.
50th Fighter-Bomber Wing
The 50th was assigned to the United States Air Forces in EuropeUnited States Air Forces in Europe
The United States Air Forces in Europe is the United States Air Force component of U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command, and is one of two Air Force Major Commands outside of the continental United States, the other being the Pacific Air Forces...
(USAFE) Twelfth Air Force (12th Air Force). The wing became the first tactically operational Air Force wing in 12th Air Force's jurisdiction. The 50th FBG consisted of the 10th, 81st and 417th Fighter-Bomber squadrons. The first of the wing's new F-86H Sabres arrived at Hahn AB 21 October 1955. Conversion continued throughout the winter of 1955 and spring of 1956, ending in May. The 50th FBG received seventy-four F-86Hs, and also had two C-47 transports which were assigned to the Wing for courier and supply operations.
The primary mission of the 50th FBW at Hahn was the delivery of tactical nuclear weapons against Warsaw Pact
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Treaty Organization of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance , or more commonly referred to as the Warsaw Pact, was a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in Eastern Europe...
forces in the event of an invasion of Western Europe
Western Europe
Western Europe is a loose term for the collection of countries in the western most region of the European continents, though this definition is context-dependent and carries cultural and political connotations. One definition describes Western Europe as a geographic entity—the region lying in the...
. Its secondary missions were tactical air defense and support for NATO ground forces.
While 50th FBW prepared for and converted to the newer F-86H, the wing expanded its mission responsibility to include supporting 12th Air Force's 7382d Guided Missile Group. The wing had previously supported the 69th Tactical Missile Squadron
69th Tactical Missile Squadron
The 69th Tactical Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the 586th Tactical Missile Group, stationed at Hahn Air Base, West Germany. It was inactivated on 18 June 1958.-History:...
at Hahn, which operated the MGM-1 Matador
MGM-1 Matador
The Martin MGM-1 Matador was the first operational surface-to-surface cruise missile built by the United States. It was similar in concept to the German V-1, but the Matador included a radio link that allowed in-flight course corrections. This allowed accuracy to be maintained over greatly extended...
tactical missile.
New aircraft would not be the only change for the personnel of the 50th, however. With the conversion to the F-86H nearly complete on 15 April 1956, the wing began a move to Toul-Rosières Air Base
Toul-Rosieres Air Base
Toul-Rosières Air Base is a reserve French Air Force base. It is located in the Meurthe-et-Moselle département of France, 10 miles northeast of the city of Toul, on the west side of the Route nationale 411 Highway about one mile southeast of Rosières-en-Haye.Toul Air Base was used by American...
, France. The reason for the move was that USAFE war planners believed that due to the vulnerability of West Germany to Soviet attack, having nuclear-equipped fighter wings in West Germany made them vulnerable to being quickly overrun by Warsaw Pact
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Treaty Organization of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance , or more commonly referred to as the Warsaw Pact, was a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in Eastern Europe...
forces. By moving them west into France, it would give NATO more time to respond. This movement took most of the summer of that year. The wing reported it was mission-ready at Toul-Rosières on August 1.
F-100 Super Sabre era
In 1957 USAFE also announced that the 50th FBW would receive the new F-100D Super Sabre. This advanced, supersonic aircraft significantly improved the wing's combat capability and enhanced European air defenses. The 50th FBW was the third and last USAFE fighter wing to convert into Super Sabres and converted to the new aircraft in 1957 and 1958. On 8 July 1958, it became the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing as a result of a worldwide USAF renaming convention, a designation it would carry for almost 35 years.
At about this time, the wing updated its emblem to reflect its new mission and aircraft. The modified design depicted a griffin facing forward and breathing fire with its wings spread. An atomic "mushroom" cloud was centered behind the griffin. Behind the beast's right talon, an olive branch denoted peace. A lightning bolt behind the left talon symbolized the strength and power of the unit's aircraft. The wing would carry this emblem until its inactivation as the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1991.
Along with operating from Toul, the 50th TFW was tasked to support NATO Dispersed Operating Bases in France. In September 1959, with the completion of Luneville-Chenevieres Air Base
Luneville-Chenevieres Air Base
Luneville-Chenevieres Air Base is an abandoned military airfield in France, located approximately 14 miles southwest of Châlons-sur-Marne ; 77 miles northeast of Paris.-History:...
, became the home of Detachment #2, 50th Air Base Group.
Within a year of rearming with the new F-100s, issues with the runway at Toul AB began with severe surface cracking. This was caused by the weight of the F-100, which was almost double that of the F-86s formerly flown by the Wing. However, a much more severe problem was with the French Government. Political issues with France with regards to non-French military forces stationing nuclear weapons, or nuclear-capable units on French soil led to the United States moving the 50th TFW and other tactical wings out of France.
Pferdsfeld AB, West Germany was initially considered as the new home of the 50th, however it was decided to return the wing to Hahn AB since it was only partially occupied at the time and the runway at Hahn had just been recently re-paved. The wing, its support units, 10th TFS and 81st TFS returned to Hahn AB, West Germany as part of Operation Red Richard. The 417th TFS was detached to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ramstein AB, West Germany. The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing reported its movement complete to Hahn on 10 December 1959.
For the next several years, 50th TFW Airmen concentrated on becoming the best fighter unit in USAFE. During the Cuban Missile Crisis
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a confrontation among the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States in October 1962, during the Cold War...
in October and November 1962, the wing hosted the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Moron AB, Spain as part of a massive military buildup. After the Cuban Missile Crisis ended, the 50th TFW resumed normal operations and participated in various exercises and competitions, oftentimes with other NATO allies.
F-4 Phantom II era
By the mid-1960s, the Super Sabres were becoming vulnerable to a new generation of Warsaw Pact fighters, such as the Mig-21 and Sukhoi Su-15. In response, the wing's three tactical squadrons, the 10th, 81st, and 417th, began converting to McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom IIs on 8 October 1966.When the last F-100 left Hahn, 50th TFW aircrews had logged 143,147 flight hours. Throughout the conversion to the F-4D, the 417th TFS remained detached to the 86th Air Division
86th Air Division
The 86th Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with the United States Air Forces in Europe, being stationed at Ramstein Air Base, West Germany...
at Ramstein AB. The 496th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, attached to the 50th TFW but assigned to the 86th Air Division, did not convert to the new F-4D aircraft, instead flying the F-102 Delta Dagger
F-102 Delta Dagger
The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets...
interceptor aircraft.
The wing underwent another organizational change on 15 July 1968. The costs of the ongoing Vietnam War were stretching defense budgets, and the costs of maintaining large United States forces (both Army and Air Force) in Europe, as well as the decision by France to withdrawal from the NATO integrated military alliance led to the development of "dual-based" forces, stationed in the United States, but deployable to NATO in case of a crisis with the Soviet Union. The 417th TFS was reassigned to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and was subsequently reassigned to Tactical Air Command's 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. The 417th was "committed" to USAFE, and was planned to deploy to USAFE annually. To replace the 417th, USAFE reassigned the 496th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron back from 86th Air Division to the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing. The 417th, however, remained equipped with F-102 interceptors with an air defense mission.
USAFE then selected the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron as the command's first "Wild Weasel" surface-to-air missile suppression unit. The squadron's primary mission focus changed from ground and air attack roles to location and elimination of threats posed by enemy radar tracking and surface-to-air missile systems. The "Wild Weasel" version of the F-4E (and later the F-4G) could be used as a radar jamming platform or as a search and destroy vehicle.
The 81st TFS moved to Zweibrucken Air Base
Zweibrücken Air Base
Zweibrücken Air Base was a NATO air base in West Germany . It was located 35 miles SSW of Kaiserslautern and 2 miles mi SE of Zweibrücken. It was assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Forces in Europe during its operational lifetime.The facility was closed in...
, West Germany, on 12 June 1971. Though it remained assigned to 50th TFW, 81st TFS was detached from the wing's operational control and attached to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing. Following these changes, the wing settled into a more routine operations tempo and returned its attentions to maintaining combat readiness. Within two years, USAFE redesignated 496th FIS as a tactical fighter squadron. The squadron converted to the F-4E Phantom, retiring its F-102s.
The wing continued routine training operations throughout the 1970s. In 1976, the 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron
313th Tactical Fighter Squadron
The 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing and stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany.-History:...
was reactivated as a result of the 36th TFW at Bitburg AB receiving F-15 Eagle
F-15 Eagle
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is considered among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights...
s, and sending a squadron of its F-4E Phantom IIs to Hahn.
F-16 Fighting Falcon era
In late 1978 USAFE announced that the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing would test and then field of the new F-16A Fighting Falcon. Arrangements for the tests began with arrival of the first of four teams in November 1978 and continued into 1979. Tests began 20 April 1979, with four F-16A Block 1 aircraft at Hahn Air Base, Germany.Meanwhile, prompted by the news of the its selection to receive the Air Force's newest fighter, the 50th TFW began construction of new hardened aircraft shelters, additional hangars, maintenance shops and support buildings. IN addition contracts were issued for the construction of 300 additional housing units in communities near Hahn AB.
Aircrews focused on training under a new graduated combat capability program that provided specific training events and competency levels for each category of crewmember. Maintenance personnel concentrated on learning F-16 specific requirements and adapted the Production Oriented Maintenance Organization to meet the needs of the new jets and mission. The 313th TFS accepted the first of the wing's new F-16s on 30 December 1981, after a vigorous acceptance inspection--a practice that continues today. Within six months, the last of the 50th TFW's F-4E Phantom IIs departed Hahn AB, after 16 years and more than 176,000 flight hours. A gala marked the addition of the Fighting Falcon to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's arsenal on 9 July 1982. The ceremony included displays of aircraft from Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
and other countries in the NATO alliance, all of which were programmed to receive the F-16.
For the next several months, 50th TFW crews frequently deployed to Zaragoza Air Base
Zaragoza Air Base
Zaragoza Air Base was a NATO military airbase located near Zaragoza, Spain. It was located west of Zaragoza, west of Barcelona, and northeast of Madrid.It was closed as a NATO base in in April 1992...
, Spain, to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training. The training included events designed to improve bombing accuracy and increase air and ground crew performance. Before the 1983 Thanksgiving holiday, the wing would add yet another line to its list of accomplishments. That opportunity arrived in October, when 50th TFW crews took their F-16s to the Air Force's annual worldwide bombing and gunnery competition--Gunsmoke--where they won the overall competition. Additionally, one of the wing's pilots earned the individual Top Gun award. Personnel continued to demonstrate their excellence when one of the wing's weapons load crews earned first place distinction in USAFE and third place overall in an Air Force-wide competition at the end of 1983.
Operational activity by March 1984 reached a fever pitch as the wing participated in several exercises and competitions and prepared for a brief deployment. The wing joined Green Flag exercises held at Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command .-Overview:...
, Nevada, in March. Green Flag sought to provide realistic combat training with a heavy emphasis on electronic warfare such as anti-aircraft defenses' threat radars.
At Hahn AB, other wing personnel participated in a NATO exercise. During this exercise, two 496th TFS F-16s conducted the first emergency procedures landings on an autobahn. The aircrews landed, refueled from dispatched trucks and launched from a highway near the German air base at Ahlhorn. The wing also prepared for a large-scale deployment to several air bases due to programmed runway repairs at Hahn AB. Aircraft and crews, maintenance specialists and support personnel deployed to Ramstein and Spangdahlem AB and to West Germany's Pferdsfel AB from April to June 1984.
The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing's growing list of accomplishments and recognition continued into 1985 when the wing received notice of its selection for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 1 July 1982 through 30 June 1984. This was the fifth such award for the 50th. The 50th TFW's operational tempo did not slow, nor did the wing's receipt of accolades and recognition from its headquarters. The wing replaced its F-16A and F-16B Fighting Falcons for the advanced second-generation F-16C and F-16D in 1986.
HQ USAFE announced on 15 April 1986, that the 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron had earned the USAFE Commander in Chief's Trophy for 1985. Operations and maintenance teams within 50th TFW also received numerous awards at major command level and higher throughout 1986 and 1987, including the Secretary of Defense's Phoenix Award recognizing the best maintenance organization in the Department of Defense.
Post Cold-War era
By the end of the 1980s, the social, economic, and political turmoil in the Soviet UnionSoviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
had reached a boiling point. The Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic starting on 13 August 1961, that completely cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin...
fell, and a new era in Europe began. Former Soviet republics proclaimed their independence and right to self-determination. Talk in Germany quickly turned to the possibility of reuniting East and West. Debate followed on the future role of American forces in Europe, and worldwide change loomed imminent.
Throughout the spring and summer of 1990, the 50th TFW continued its aggressive training schedule. Meanwhile, American military and government officials debated the new role and structure of the armed forces in light of perceptions of a diminished threat to Western Europe
Western Europe
Western Europe is a loose term for the collection of countries in the western most region of the European continents, though this definition is context-dependent and carries cultural and political connotations. One definition describes Western Europe as a geographic entity—the region lying in the...
. The changes brought about by events in the Soviet Union and in light of increasing public and governmental concern over the United State's increasing budget budget deficit. For many, the possibility of any combat activity seemed unlikely, but that perception changed almost in the blink of an eye during the autumn of 1990.
While the wing's aircrews continued their normal operations in West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
and Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
i president Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti was the fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003...
resumed a war of rhetoric against Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
. As the summer heat in Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia
Western Asia, West Asia, Southwest Asia or Southwestern Asia are terms that describe the westernmost portion of Asia. The terms are partly coterminous with the Middle East, which describes a geographical position in relation to Western Europe rather than its location within Asia...
intensified, so did Hussein's war of words. Iraqi forces crossed the border into Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
on 2 August 1990, forcing the Kuwaiti royal family and existing government to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
condemned the invasion, calling for immediate withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Returning to Hahn AB following an October 1990 training deployment to Zaragoza AB, Spain, 10th TFS commander Lt. Col. Ed Houle received notice to prepare his unit for possible deployment. Originally scheduled for a Thanksgiving Day movement, plans changed and called for the deployment of the 10th within 72 hours of the outbreak of hostilities, should that happen.
As the final days of autumn passed and winter began, plans again changed. Word came that the 10th TFS would deploy on 15 January 1991, to fill out the combat strength of the fighter wing at Al Dhafra Air Base
Al Dhafra Air Base
Al Dhafra Air Base is a military installation in the United Arab Emirates. The base is located approximately south of Abu Dhabi and is operated by the United Arab Emirates Air Force.-Facilities:The airport resides at an elevation of above mean sea level...
, United Arab Emirates. United States Central Command
United States Central Command
The United States Central Command is a theater-level Unified Combatant Command unit of the U.S. armed forces, established in 1983 under the operational control of the U.S. Secretary of Defense...
readjusted this date twice, finally establishing a deployment date of 1 January 1991. Meanwhile, crews continued to train and make other preparations. The 313th TFS selected six F-16Cs and eight pilots as potential replacements for lost jets and crews.
Thirty F-16Cs left Hahn AB, for Zaragoza AB Dec. 29, 1990. Six served as airborne spares to replace any of the original 24 that might not complete the trip to Al Dhafra. While hundreds of personnel at Zaragoza AB celebrated and welcomed the new year, thirty pilots of the 50th TFW fired their afterburners, drowning the sounds of celebration, and lifted into the darkness bound for the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
and the near certainty of combat. When they arrived, aircrews learned they would not employ the low-level procedures they had practiced for use in Central Europe
Central Europe
Central Europe or alternatively Middle Europe is a region of the European continent lying between the variously defined areas of Eastern and Western Europe...
. Instead of low-level ingress and 10- to 30-degree dive angles, they would deliver their payloads from nearly 20,000 feet with ingress angles near 60 degrees. As training progressed, crews from the 10th TFS began sitting alert with crews of the 17th and 33d TFSs, hoping that they might be the first to strike if war erupted.
15 January 1991, passed with Al Dhafra's crews and much of the coalition forces watching events unfold on cable television news. International news broadcasts, beamed via satellite, told of Iraq's refusal to withdraw and the resulting discussions on how the U.N. coalition would proceed. 16 January 1991 was much the same.
Then, with a click of the second hand, Desert Shield became Desert Storm. At 4 a.m. local time Jan. 17, the first 40-plane strike package left Al Dhafra for targets in Iraq. The 10th TFS flew its first combat sorties of the war later that afternoon, led by squadron commander Lt. Col. Edward Houle. The assigned target for the eight-ship element of the 10th TFS was Al Taqaddum Airfield, near Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
--a round-trip of more than 1,400 miles and an eight-hour mission for crews accustomed to training flights of only one to three hours. For nearly six weeks, 10th TFS crews attacked Iraqi airfields, communication centers and military command centers. What few Iraqi fighters did fly were either shot down or chased across the Iraq-Iran border.
After initial attacks against static targets, the 10th TFS crews received new orders. Iraq had begun using Soviet SS-1 Scud missiles in retaliation against the coalition's offensive air strikes, targeting both coalition forces and Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i civilian population centers. In response, U.S. Central Command ordered search-and-destroy missions against Iraqi mobile and fixed SCUD launchers. Attacking those targets put 10th TFS pilots at greater risk. A good kill required locating and identifying the SCUD's associated radar once it was activated for launch, and the launchers were heavily defended. The squadron's first SCUD patrol mission began Jan. 19, only three days into Desert Storm.
The mission changed again 23 January. With most of the strategic targets eliminated, the 10th TFS received orders to concentrate on Iraq's Republican Guard
Republican Guard
Republican Guard is the organization of a republic which serves to protect the President and the government. Usually synonymous with Presidential Guard.* Albanian Republican Guard* Algerian Republican Guard...
units occupying Kuwait and Iraq's southern region. For the Al Dhafra-based crews, this meant bombing any military targets on the road and destroying any pontoon bridges being constructed across the Tigris River. In addition, the wing's crews dropped leaflet bombs over Iraqi positions and civilian centers. For the next month, emphasis centered on counter-SCUD
Scud
Scud is a series of tactical ballistic missiles developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and exported widely to other countries. The term comes from the NATO reporting name SS-1 Scud which was attached to the missile by Western intelligence agencies...
operations and preparing the battlefield for the eventual ground war.
When the ground war began 25 February, crews began flying combat air patrols, protecting and supporting coalition ground forces. This mission, however, lasted only three days. On the morning of 28 February, the offensive ceased to allow Iraqi units to withdraw. After a brief interlude, crews returned to combat air patrols to enforce ceasefire accords that prohibited Iraqi aircraft from operating within defined areas. This provision of the ceasefire sought to protect coalition ground forces, U.N. personnel who would monitor Iraq's compliance with Security Council resolutions and civilian populations.
With the return of deployed elements from Saudi Arabia in the summer of 1991, the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing was gradually inactivated during the balance of the year. With the reuniting of East and West Germany in October 1990, the Cold War threat of an invasion by the Soviet Union no longer was an issue. The United States was left with a huge excess capacity of expensive airfields in Europe. The 50th had performed its mission successfully in Western Europe and it was now time to end it's mission.
As a result, the 50th TFW was inactivated in 1991 after 35 years at Hahn Air Base. The 496th TFS was inactivated on 15 May; The 313th TFS on 1 July, and the 10th TFS on 30 September. The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing was inactivated on 30 September 1991.
On 30 September 1993, Hahn Air Base was turned over to the reunited German government with the exception of a small portion used by USAFE as a communications site.
Air Force Space Command
However, Air Force officials soon reversed their decision to inactivate the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing. In 1982 Air Force Space CommandAir Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
was activated to control USAF space assets, which had previously been managed by Air Force Systems Command
Air Force Systems Command
Air Force Systems Command is a former United States Air Force command. Its headquarters was located at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland...
.
As part of the general re-organization of the Air Force in the post Cold War era. The the 50th TFW was re-assigned to the United States Air Force Space Command, which reactivated the wing as the 50th Space Wing on 20 January 1992, at Falcon Air Force Base east of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, United States. Colorado Springs is located in South-Central Colorado, in the southern portion of the state. It is situated on Fountain Creek and is located south of the Colorado...
. The 50th was reactivated as part of the USAF Heritage Program, in which notable historic wings remained on active duty, replacing younger ones. The 50th Space Wing assumed control of the personnel and assets of the 2d Space Wing
2d Space Wing
The 2d Space Wing was a wing of the United States Air Force. It activated on 8 July 1985 as the host wing at Falcon Air Force Station . The wing took operational control of the Air Force Satellite Control Network in October 1987...
, which was immediately inactivated.
At the same time, the command activated the 50th Operations Group, the redesignated World War II and early Cold War-era 50th Fighter Group, and assigned it to the 50th Space Wing as part of the post Cold War USAF Objective organization plan. AFSPC also activated the 50th Maintenance and Supply Group and the 50th Combat Support Group under new names, creating a wing organization that closely resembled that of the 1950s.
Squadrons assigned to the 50th concurrent with its activation included a mixture of past units and those previously assigned to the 2d Space Wing, which the 50th SW replaced. The command activated the 50th Mission Support, Civil Engineering, Security Police, Communications, Airdrome, Air Service, Depot Repair and Depot Supply Squadrons with new designations. Transferred from the 2nd Space Wing were the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Satellite Control Squadrons, renamed Space Operations Squadrons. The headquarters of the 2nd Satellite Tracking Group became Headquarters 750th Space Group and transferred to 50th SW. The 50th SW also assumed responsibility for a number of detachments operating around the world.
The 50th SW assumed command-and-control responsibilities for several existing satellite constellations that provided a variety of critical information to the Air Force, Department of Defense and other users. Additionally, the 50th SW assumed responsibility for the Air Force Satellite Control Network, which allowed satellite controllers to fly satellites under their command.
Continuing activity resulting from the 1995 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) report resulted in the inactivation of the 750th Space Group and the 5th Space Operations Squadron at Onizuka Air Force Station
Onizuka Air Force Station
Onizuka Air Force Station was a United States Air Force installation in Santa Clara County, California, just outside the city limits of Sunnyvale, at the intersection of U.S. Route 101 and State Route 237...
, California, in 1999 and 2000 respectively. The inactivation of other agencies and units at Onizuka AFS left 21st SOPS as the installation's host, and the 21st SOPS commander assumed installation commander responsibilities.
Global War on Terrorism
The 50th Space Wing supports allied operations in Southwest Asia with satellite communications, GPS enhancements and deployed personnel. By 2005, the 50th SW averaged 80 Airmen per month deployed to forward operating bases in AfghanistanAfghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
supporting the Global War on Terrorism.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom Second SOPS crews developed new techniques for enhancing GPS accuracy over the Iraqi theater of operations and flew more than 1,000 satellite sorties between March 20 and April 10. First SOPS set a record during this period, placing a GPS satellite in orbit and completing all early on-orbit checkout activities in only 11 days while also flying 100 Defense Support Program satellite sorties and 300 GPS sorties in the first 20 days of combat. Third and 4th SOPS crews maximized satellite communications coverage of the theater. The 3rd SOPS' Defense Satellite Communications System Block III satellites provided 80 percent of in-theater bandwidth. Meanwhile, 4th SOPS dedicated 85 percent of Milstar communications capability to the war effort, flying 14,000 sorties in the first 20 days of operations.
The 50th Network Operations Group (previously the 50th Communications Group) supported all of the wing's satellite command-and-control activities through the Air Force Satellite Control Network scheduling nodes, managed by 22nd SOPS. Personnel at the wing's remote tracking stations, including 21st SOPS at Onizuka AFS and 23rd SOPS at New Boston AFS, N.H., logged more than 12,312 satellite contacts while assisting with other satellite operations and three satellite launches.
The 50th SW also underwent organizational changes in the first years of the new century. To correct inefficiencies and realign organizations along mission lines, Air Force Space Command renamed the 50th CG as 50th NOG and reassigned 21st, 22nd and 23rd SOPS to that organization. Functions of the 850th Space Communications Squadron merged with those of 50th SCS, and the 850th SCS inactivated in January 2006.
Lineage
- Established as 50th Fighter Wing on 16 May 1949
- Activated in the Reserve on 1 June 1949
- Redesignated 50th Fighter-Interceptor Wing on 1 March 1950
- Ordered to active service on 1 June 1951
- Inactivated on 2 June 1951
- Redesignated 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 15 November 1952
- Activated on 1 January 1953
- Redesignated 50th Tactical Fighter Wing on 8 July 1958
- Inactivated on 30 September 1991
- Redesignated 50th Space Wing on 1 January 1992
- Activated and Organized on 30 January 1992, assuming assets of 2d Space Wing2d Space WingThe 2d Space Wing was a wing of the United States Air Force. It activated on 8 July 1985 as the host wing at Falcon Air Force Station . The wing took operational control of the Air Force Satellite Control Network in October 1987...
Assignments
- First Air ForceFirst Air ForceThe First Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Air Combat Command . It is headquartered at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida....
, 1 June 1949
- Attached to 33d Fighter [later, 33 Fighter-Interceptor] Wing33d Fighter WingThe 33d Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Education and Training Command's Nineteenth Air Force. It is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida where it is a tenant unit....
, 1 June 1949 –- Eastern Air Defense ForceEastern Air Defense ForceThe Eastern Air Defense Force is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Air Defense Command being stationed at Stewart Air Force Base, New York. It was inactivated on July 1, 1960.-History:...
, 1 September 1950 – 2 June 1951
- Eastern Air Defense Force
- Remained attached to 33d Fighter-Interceptor Wing33d Fighter WingThe 33d Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Education and Training Command's Nineteenth Air Force. It is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida where it is a tenant unit....
to 2 June 1951- Ninth Air ForceNinth Air ForceThe Ninth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command . It is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina....
, 1 January 1953 - Twelfth Air Force, 9 August 1953
- United States Air Forces in EuropeUnited States Air Forces in EuropeThe United States Air Forces in Europe is the United States Air Force component of U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command, and is one of two Air Force Major Commands outside of the continental United States, the other being the Pacific Air Forces...
, 1 January 1958 - Seventeenth Air ForceSeventeenth Air ForceSeventeenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force located at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The command served the United States Air Forces in Europe during its years of active service...
, 15 November 1959 – 30 September 1991 - Air Force Space CommandAir Force Space CommandAir Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
, 30 January 1992 - Fourteenth Air ForceFourteenth Air ForceThe Fourteenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Space Command . It is headquartered at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California....
, 20 September 1993–present
- Ninth Air Force
Stations
- Otis Air Force Base, MassachusettsMassachusettsThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, 1 June 1949 – 2 June 1951 - Clovis Air Force Base, New MexicoNew MexicoNew Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, 1 January – 23 July 1953 - Hahn Air BaseHahn Air BaseHahn Air Base was a frontline NATO facility in Germany for over 40 years during the Cold War...
, West Germany, 10 August 1953 - Toul-Rosières Air BaseToul-Rosieres Air BaseToul-Rosières Air Base is a reserve French Air Force base. It is located in the Meurthe-et-Moselle département of France, 10 miles northeast of the city of Toul, on the west side of the Route nationale 411 Highway about one mile southeast of Rosières-en-Haye.Toul Air Base was used by American...
, France, 17 July 1956 - Hahn Air BaseHahn Air BaseHahn Air Base was a frontline NATO facility in Germany for over 40 years during the Cold War...
, West Germany (later Germany), 10 December 1959 – 30 September 1991 - Falcon (later Schriever) Air Force BaseSchriever Air Force BaseSchriever Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force located approximately 10 miles east of Peterson AFB near Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States.-Overview:...
, Colorado, 1 January 1992-Present
Components
Groups- 50 Fighter (later, 50 Fighter-Interceptor; 50 Fighter-Bomber; 50 Operations) Group50th Operations GroupThe 50th Operations Group is a component of the 50th Space Wing, assigned to the United States Air Force Space Command. The group is stationed at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado....
: 1 June 1949 – 2 June 1951; 1 January 1953–8 December 1957; 30 January 1992–present - 750 Space Group: 30 January 1992 – 25 June 1999
- 1000th Satellite Operations Group: 30 January – 31 July 1992.
Assigned Squadrons
- 10th Fighter-Bomber (later, 10th Tactical Fighter) Squadron10th Flight Test SquadronThe 10th Flight Test Squadron is part of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. It performs acceptance testing on refurbished B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, E-3 Sentry, and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft before they are returned to their...
: 8 Dec 1957-30 Sep 1991 (detached 28 Dec 1990-10 May 1991). - 81st Fighter-Bomber (later, 81st Tactical Fighter) Squadron81st Fighter SquadronThe 81st Fighter Squadron is part of the 52d Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It operates the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft conducting close air support missions.-Mission:...
: 8 Dec 1957-15 Jul 1971 (detached 15 Jun-15 Jul 1971). - 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron313th Tactical Fighter SquadronThe 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing and stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany.-History:...
, 5 Nov 1976-30 Dec 1991 - 417th Fighter-Bomber (later, 417th Tactical Fighter) Squadron417th Weapons SquadronThe 417th Weapons Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the USAF Weapons School based at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. It was inactivated on September 14, 2006....
: assigned 8 Dec 1957-1 Jul 1968, attached 1-15 Jul 1968, 15 Jan-4 Apr 1969, 11 Sep-10 Oct 1970, 9 Sep-2 Oct 1971, 5 Feb-8 Mar 1973, 6 Mar-5 Apr 1974, 3 Oct-5 Nov 1975, and 24 Aug-26 Sep 1976.
Attached Squadrons
- 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron: attached 8 March–2 April 1973 and 6 September–6 October 1975
- 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron: attached 11 September–7 October 1971 and 23 September–24 October 1976.
- 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron: attached 10 May – 7 June 1977
- 69th Pilotless Bomber (later, 69th Tactical Missile) Squadron69th Tactical Missile SquadronThe 69th Tactical Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the 586th Tactical Missile Group, stationed at Hahn Air Base, West Germany. It was inactivated on 18 June 1958.-History:...
: attached 14 March 1955 – 15 April 1956. - 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron: attached 5 September–16 November 1961
- 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron: attached 5–25 August 1977
- 428th Fighter-Bomber Squadron: attached 1 Apr-c. 1 Oct 1957
- 429th Fighter-Bomber Squadron: attached 7 Oct 1956-1 Apr 1957
- 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron: attached 20 Apr-7 Oct 1956.
- 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron: attached c. 24 October–11 December 1962.
- 457th Fighter-Bomber (later, 457th Tactical Fighter) Squadron457th Fighter SquadronThe 457th Fighter Squadron is a United States Air Force Reserve Command unit, assigned to the 301st Operations Group. Stationed at Carswell Field, Texas, the squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon.-Overview:...
: attached 20 Mar-c. 19 Aug 1958 - 458th Tactical Fighter Squadron458th Tactical Fighter SquadronThe 458th Tactical Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 506th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. It was inactivated on 1 April 1959.-History:...
: attached c. 13 Aug 1958-c. 18 Feb 1959. - 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron496th Tactical Fighter SquadronThe 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit, last assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe, 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, being stationed at Hahn AB, Germany. The squadron was deactivated on May 15, 1991....
: attached 1–24 November 1968, assigned 25 November 1968 – 15 May 1991 - 509th Fighter-Bomber Squadron: attached 15 January-24 March 1958
- 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron614th Tactical Fighter SquadronThe 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the 401st Operations Group, stationed at Torrejon Air Base, Spain. It was inactivated on 1 January 1992-History:...
: attached 5 September-14 November 1961.
Aircraft, missiles and space systems
- F-86 SabreF-86 SabreThe North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
, 1957-1958 - MGM-1 MatadorMGM-1 MatadorThe Martin MGM-1 Matador was the first operational surface-to-surface cruise missile built by the United States. It was similar in concept to the German V-1, but the Matador included a radio link that allowed in-flight course corrections. This allowed accuracy to be maintained over greatly extended...
(Missile), 1955-1956 - F-100 Super SabreF-100 Super SabreThe North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...
, 1957-1966 - F-104 StarfighterF-104 StarfighterThe Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed for the United States Air Force by Lockheed. One of the Century Series of aircraft, it served with the USAF from 1958 until 1969, and continued with Air National Guard units...
, 1962 - F-4 Phantom IIF-4 Phantom IIThe McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...
, 1966-1982
- F-102 Delta DaggerF-102 Delta DaggerThe Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets...
, 1968-1970 - F-106 Delta DartF-106 Delta DartThe Convair F-106 Delta Dart was the primary all-weather interceptor aircraft for the United States Air Force from the 1960s through the 1980s. Designed as the so-called "Ultimate Interceptor", it has proven to be the last dedicated interceptor in USAF service to date...
, 1975 - F-16 Fighting FalconF-16 Fighting FalconThe General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
, 1981-1991 - USAF Satellites, 1992-Present
50th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (1 March 1950)
- Brig Gen Bruce Johnson, 1 June 1949 June 1, 1951
Unit Inactive
50th Fighter-Bomber Wing (1 January 1953)
- Col Wallace S. Ford, 1 January 1953 – 21 July 1954
- Col Melvin F. McNickle, 22 July 1954 – 23 June 1955
- Col Fred J. Ascani, 24 June 1955 – 25 July 1957
- Brig Gen Henry C. Newcomer, 26 July 1957– August 1959
50th Tactical Fighter Wing (8 July 1958)
- Brig Gen Henry C. Newcomer, 26 July 1957– August 1959
- Col Frank L. Wood, Aug. 1959
- Col Jack S. Jenkins, 1 Sept. 1959–15 July 1962
- Col William P. McBride, 16 July 1962 – 11 February 1963
- Col David T. McKnight, 12 February 1963 – 8 June 1964
- Col Louis J. Lamm, 9 June 1964 – 19 July 1964
- Col George W. McLaughlin, 20 July 1964–circa May 1966
- Col Richard C. Catledge, circa May 1966
- Col Robert L. Liles, 20 May 1966 – 27 June 1968
- Col Forrest L. Rauscher, 28 June 1968 – 13 June 1969
- Col John W. Smith, 14 June 1969 – 21 April 1970
- Col William B. Craig, 22 April 1970 – 16 November 1970
- Col Billy F. Rogers, 17 November 1970– 30 September 1971
- Col William C. Norris, 1 October 1971 – 1 January 1973
- Brig Gen Michael E. DeArmond, 2 January 1973 – 25 August 1974
- Col Paul M. Ingram, 26 August 1974 – 13 March 1975
- Brig Gen James P. Albritton, 14 March 1975 – 18 May 1978
- Col Emery S. Wetzel, Jr., 19 May 1978 – 23 June 1980
- Col David M. Goodrich, 24 June 1980 – 28 January 1982
- Brig Gen Wilfred L. Goodson, 29 January 1982 – 19 October 1982
- Col John M. Davey, 20 October 1982 – 7 January 1984
- Col Clifton C. Clark, Jr., 8 January 1984 – 30 July 1986
- Brig Gen Ben Nelson, Jr., 31 July 1986 – 28 February 1988
- Col Roger C. Taylor, 1 March 1988 – 26 February 1990
- Col George W. Norwood, 27 February 1990– 30 September 1991
Unit Inactive
50th Space Wing (30 January 1992)
- Brig Gen Roger G. DeKokRoger G. DeKokRoger G. Dekok was a Lieutenant General in the United States Air Force.-Biography:DeKok was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, obtaining a B.A. in Mathematics. General DeKok earned a M.S. degree in Systems Management in 1979 from the Air Force Institute of Technology...
, 30 January 1992 – 16 June 1993 - Col Gregory Gilles, 17 June 1993 – 3 November 1994
- Col Simon P. WordenPete WordenSimon P. Worden, Ph.D. is Director of NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif. Before joining NASA, he held several positions in the United States Air Force and was research professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona, Tucson. He is a recognized expert on space issues...
, 4 November 1994 – 21 March 1996 - Brig Gen Glen W. Moorhead III, 22 March 1996 – 24 April 1997
- Col Elwood C. Tircuit, 25 April 1997 – 9 June 1999
- Col Richard E. WebberRichard E. WebberMajor General Richard E. Webber is the commander of the United States Air Force's 24th Air Force, which is focused on cyberspace operations. The 24th Air Force is located in San Antonio, Texas and stood up in place of the originally proposed larger Major Command organization, Air Force Cyber...
, 9 June 1999 – 19 April 2001 - Col Larry D. JamesLarry D. JamesLieutenant General Larry D. James is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Headquarters USAF. Lt Gen James' last command was the 14th Air Force and Joint Functional Component Command for Space from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California...
, 20 April 2001 – 8 June 2003 - Col Michael D. Selva (Interim), 7 February 2003–circa May 2003
- Col Suzanne M. Vautrinot, 9 June 2003 – 3 April 2005
- Col John E. Hyten, 4 April 2005 – 14 May 2006
- Col James C. Hutto, Jr. (Interim), 15 May 2006 – 13 October 2006
- Col John E. Hyten, 14 October 2006–21 May 2007
- Col Teresa A. H. DjuricTeresa A. H. DjuricTeresa A. H. Djuric is a Brigadier General in the United States Air Force.-Career:Djuric joined the Air Force in 1983 and was assigned to North American Aerospace Defense Command at Cheyenne Mountain...
, 22 May 2007–12 June 2008 - Brig Gen Cary C. ChunCary C. ChunBrigadier General Cary Comperido Chun is the former Commander of 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. In this position, he was responsible for more than 3,100 military personnel, and Department of Defense civilians and contractor personnel, serving at 50th Space Wing operating...
, 12 June 2008–20 August 2009 - Col Wayne Monteith, 20 August 2009–present
Emblem blazon
Azure, an opinicus passantPassant
Passant may refer to:* In heraldry, an attitude.* The en passant chess move of a pawn* A transverse shoulder strap on a military uniform, originally to attach epaulettes...
Argent
Argent
In heraldry, argent is the tincture of silver, and belongs to the class of light tinctures, called "metals". It is very frequently depicted as white and usually considered interchangeable with it...
, all within a diminished bordure
Bordure
In heraldry, a bordure is a band of contrasting tincture forming a border around the edge of a shield, traditionally one-sixth as wide as the shield itself...
Or.
Modified version of 50th Fighter Group emblem approved for the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 15 July 1953, and reinstated on 9 July 1992; replaced wing emblem approved on 23 August 1956. Motto: MASTER OF SPACE. Approved on 10 September 1992.
Awards
- 2008 General Thomas S. Moorman, Jr.Thomas S. Moorman, Jr.Thomas S. Moorman Jr. served as Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from July 1994 to August 1997.-Background:...
Award (outstanding wing in AFSPC) - 2008 General Robert T. HerresRobert T. HerresRobert Tralles Herres was the first Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.-Early life and education:Herres was born in 1932, in Denver, where he attended East High School. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954...
Award (outstanding space wing in AFSPC)